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Anaphylaxis Quiz

Anaphylaxis (an-a-fi-LAK-sis) is a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction. The thought of you or your child experiencing this type of reaction can be scary. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to ease your mind and manage the risk of anaphylaxis. The more you know about the condition, the more empowered you can feel.

This quiz offers information on minimizing risks, understanding warning symptoms and being prepared to respond quickly in the event of an emergency.

Question 1

Symptoms of anaphylaxis can occur:
Shortly after coming in contact with an allergen
Hours after coming in contact with an allergen
Either of the above

Either. While anaphylaxis typically occurs within minutes or even seconds after exposure to an allergen, it is possible for symptoms to be delayed an hour or more. There are also cases where symptoms go away only to return a few hours later.

Question 2

An anaphylactic reaction can be as simple as developing a rash after exposure to an allergen.
True
False

False. Anaphylaxis typically involves more than one symptom in more than one part of the body at the same time. For instance, a serious reaction could involve developing a rash and vomiting or diarrhea after being exposed to an allergen. Other warning signs of a serious reaction include:

Swollen throat or swollen areas of the body

Wheezing

Passing out

Chest tightness

Trouble breathing

Hoarse voice

Trouble swallowing

Stomach cramping

Pale or red color to the face and body

Feeling of impending doom

The most dangerous symptoms are low blood pressure, breathing difficulty and loss of consciousness, all of which can be fatal.

Question 3

Anaphylaxis can occur from eating common foods such as milk, eggs or shellfish.
True
False

True. These common foods may be harmless substances for most people, but having an allergy to these or any other foods can trigger an allergic reaction. Foods that cause the majority of life-threatening reactions are peanuts, tree nuts (such as walnut, cashew, Brazil nut), shellfish, fish, milk and eggs.

Question 4

Which of these are not likely to cause anaphylaxis:
Medications
Pollen
Latex
Exercise
Stinging Insects

Pollen. Out of this group, pollen is not known to cause life-threatening reactions. Medications, foods, latex and stinging insects are allergens most likely to cause anaphylaxis. While rare, there is a chance of experiencing a serious reaction after exercising.

Question 5

If you had a mild allergic reaction to an allergen in the past, then you are not at risk for a life-threatening reaction in the future.
True
False

False. While having previous mild reactions to an allergen is a strong predictor regarding the intensity of future reactions, a mild reaction does not guarantee that your next reaction won't be more serious.

Question 6

Epinephrine should be given early in symptoms of anaphylaxis.
True
False

True. Autoinjectable epinephrine (adrenaline) should be given early to help stop or slow down the reaction from getting worse. People with a severe allergy or a history of anaphylaxis should carry epinephrine with them at all times. Remember to refill your prescription if your epinephrine has expired.

Question 7

Epinephrine should be injected into the:
Arm
Thigh
Buttocks

Thigh. Evidence shows that epinephrine should be given in the anterior thigh muscle.

Question 8

Antihistamines and corticosteroids are good substitutes for epinephrine in treating anaphylaxis.
True
False

False. Antihistamines and corticosteroids can sometimes used in addition to epinephrine, but these medications are not a substitute for epinephrine.

Question 9

Anaphylaxis always requires medical treatment.
True
False

True. Anaphylaxis requires immediate treatment. First with an injection of epinephrine, followed by a trip to a hospital emergency room. If it isn't treated properly, anaphylaxis can be fatal. Sometimes symptoms go away, and then return a few hours later, so if you have taken epinephrine and are feeling better, go to the hospital anyway to make certain your reaction is under control. Once you've had an anaphylactic reaction, be sure to tell your allergist.

Question 10

If you are at risk for anaphylaxis, the best way to manage your condition is:
Avoid allergens that trigger symptoms
Carry autoinjectable epinephrine
Know how to use epinephrine
Develop an anaphylaxis action plan
All of the above

All of the above. The risk of you or your child suffering a life-threatening allergic reaction is frightening. Being prepared for an emergency can help. Work with your allergist / immunologist to identify allergens that trigger symptoms so that you can avoid these allergens. Your physician can help you develop an action plan for emergency situations. Know how to administer epinephrine and teach others who are in close contact with you or your child. Last, but not least, keep epinephrine close by at all times for emergency use.

You answered questions correctly.

Learn more about anaphylaxis symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and management.